iPad mini 2 leaked specs suggest 324ppi display, A6X processor

This site may earn affiliate commissions from the links on this page. Terms of use.

Tim Cook has made it clear we won’t be seeing any new Apple devices released until late September at the earliest. We expect the iPhone 6 to be announced at that time, and then the iPad mini will be 12 months old come November, so we expect a hardware revision to be unveiled.

It’s been a while since Apple has managed to keep the details of a new product secret, though. We’ve pretty much known all the details of devices like the iPhone 5 and new iMacs before Tim Cook set foot on stage to announce them. And it looks like we are in for more of the same with the revised iPad mini.

Supposed specs for the iPad mini 2 have been leaked to Dutch website MobiLeaks along with a render of what the new tablet will look like.

The leaked specs include:

7.9-inch 324ppi Retina display (2048 x 1536 resolution)

Apple A6X processor

8-megapixel rear facing camera

2-megapixel front-facing camera

16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage options

7.5mm thick device

There are some clear improvements here over the existing iPad mini that should make this a no brainer upgrade for most existing owners. The display remains the same size, but has increased its resolution to match that of its big brother. Apparently we’re also going to see the processor upgraded from the dual-core A5 to an A6X chip, which is necessary to handle that higher resolution display. Both cameras are also getting a healthy upgrade from the current 5MP and 1.2MP parts.

If these specs are correct, then the higher resolution display and faster processor are going to put a greater strain on the mini’s battery, meaning shorter battery life. However, you may notice that the iPad mini 2 is slightly thicker than the 1st-gen device. It’s only 0.3mm, but that may account for a slightly larger battery shipping inside to help maintain the existing 10 hours claimed between charges.

Such an update turns the iPad mini into the equivalent of the current iPad in a smaller package. Apple will have to bring a major update to the next iPad to re-establish the performance gap and keep people buying the larger, more profitable tablet next year.